BMW needs its future M-badged electrical automobiles to really feel extra like their internal-combustion counterparts. That is as a result of it believes driving EVs on a racetrack requires extra sensory suggestions than most electrical vehicles presently provide, particularly performance-focused fashions.

The exception is the just lately revealed 641-hp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which might simulate gearchanges and mimic the sound of a turbocharged four-cylinder. Whereas some folks may suppose such options are gimmicks, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel likes the best way Hyundai thinks. He additionally advised WhichCar.com—an Australian automotive web site—that BMW is exploring related concepts to make its first full-blown electrical M automotive ship extra driver suggestions.

Whereas we’re nonetheless awaiting phrase on what precisely that future M-badged EV will probably be, BMW has already revealed that it is testing a quad-motor prototype utilizing a widebody i4 (pictured above) because the take a look at mule. With a motor at every wheel, the German automaker has mentioned it might extra exactly management energy supply and immediately ship torque to particular person wheels.

That is not one thing any gas-powered car can do, however these electrical motors can also’t convey the identical sense of pace that ICE efficiency vehicles can both, and van Meel believes that suggestions is vital on a racetrack. He advised WhichCar.com, “… when you’re driving in an electrical automotive with only one gear, making some type of sound over seven octaves, you do not know when you’re within the center [of the revs] and if that is the equal to 145km/h or wherever you’re. So that truly won’t work. And we’d like an answer for that.”

Together with probably simulating gearchanges like with Hyundai’s N e-shift, the options that BMW is alleged to be contemplating cope with utilizing acoustic cues or vibrations to supply driver suggestions. How these vibrations will probably be created and whether or not these sounds will replicate an E90 M3’s high-revving V-8 or one of many model’s nice straight-sixes stays to be seen.

For now, all we all know is that BMW does not seem like happy with the present state of EV efficiency vehicles, and we’re desirous to see how they’ll deal with it down the highway.

Senior Editor

Eric Stafford’s vehicle habit started earlier than he might stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to write down information, opinions, and extra for Automotive and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to grow to be a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automotive assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is more durable than social-media influencers make it appear, so he prevented monetary success solely to grow to be an automotive journalist and drive new vehicles for a residing. After incomes a journalism diploma at Central Michigan College and dealing at a each day newspaper, the years of principally burning cash on failed venture vehicles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automotive and Driver employed him. His storage presently features a 2010 Acura RDX, a handbook ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.